The creative economy plays a big yet unrecognized role in Indiana.

Surprised that Madison is a hotbed for music? Shocked that Fort Wayne has a top-caliber mural program? Impressed that Bloomington is home to one of the oldest world music festivals in the United States? Do you know the story behind the light installation in the airport walkway? Or how many public art and mid-century architecture fans travel from overseas and around the US to visit Columbus, IN?

Indiana is set to embark on a transformative journey into the heart of its creative economy with the much-anticipated Creative Crossroads: Indiana’s Creative Economy Summit.

Hosted in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the summit will take place at the Stutz on October 27. The one-day event aims to catalyze the growth and development of Indiana’s creative industries, positioning the state as a hub for innovation and cultural richness.

TOPICS >>

- Defining the Creative Economy: Establish a common understanding of who makes up the creative economy and how they impact the Indiana economy.
- Taking a page out of the Sports Strategy playbook: Exploring the early elements of the sports strategy to see how they can be tailored to benefit the creative economy
- Creative Class Development: Strategies for nurturing and retaining Hoosier talent to revitalize communities and drive economic growth.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Explore successful case studies where civic and corporate interests aligned for community betterment.
- Creator stories: Meet the people behind successful creative businesses, programs and initiatives from around Indiana.
- Inclusive Economic Development: How Incorporating a Creative Economy Elevates Inclusive Economic Development
- Policy and the entertainment economy: Explore regulations and incentives that could boost the entertainment industry statewide.

The CREATIVE ECONOMY SUMMIT took place on OCTOBER 27, 2023
Downtown Indianapolis
Stay tuned for 2024 date!

Schedule
8-9am Registration & Coffee

9-9:10am Opening remarks featuring Ann Lathrop (IEDC) & Ace Yakey (PATTERN Board member, and VP of Community Development, LEI, retired)

9:10-9:40am Keynote: Reclaiming Creativity: How to Hoosier Boldly in a World at a Crossroads with Jesse Elliott

9:50-10:30am Panel #1 Innovating Indiana: How Creativity Fuels Economic Growth moderated by Miah Michaelsen (IN Arts Commission); panelists: Salena Scardina (IEDC), Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette (Newfields) & Julie Heath (IU Innovates)

10:50-11:30am Panel #2 Inclusive Economic Development - Where does the Creative Economy Fit In? Moderated by Lourenzo Giple (DMD); Panelists: Kelli Jones (Be Nimble Co), Alan Bacon (GangGang), Jon Hunsberger (CDME) & Jenell Fairman (City of Carmel)

11:50am-12:30pm Panel #3 Indy Sports Strategy: Lessons for a Creative Economy moderated by Sarah Myer (Indiana Sports Corp); Panelists: Julie Goodman (Indy Arts Council), Patrick Talty (Indiana Sports Corp), & Neelay Bhatt (Next Practice Partners)

12:30-1p Lunch provided on-site

1-1:50pm Visionary Huddles Participate in issue-focused round tables to brainstorm and exchange ideas with like-minded peers.

2:10-2:50pm Creative Narratives: Join five entrepreneurial trailblazers from creative sectors as they deliver quick-fire TED-style talks on their journeys, wins, and hurdles, followed by a live Q&A. Presenters: Mikey Mioduski (Ghost Ranch); Joanna Taft, (Harrison Center), Danicia Monet (ROKH), Jake Budler (Tomorrow Bookstore), & Chris Banta (Romanus Records)

3:10-4pm Panel #4 Overlooked Economic Powerhouse: Entertainment Industry moderated by Dave Lindquist (IBJ); Panelists: Suai Kee (gener8tor Music); Angelo Pizzo (Q & A Productions), Josh Baker (The HiFi) & Scott Fetters (2112 Creative Industries Incubator)

4:10-4:55pm Panel #5 Strategizing Indiana's Creative Future: A Cross-Sector Discussion moderated by Gerry Dick (Inside Indiana Business); Panelists: Brad Chambers (Buckingham Cos), Mark Williams (Indpls Arts Center) & Elaine Bedel (IDDC) & Mindy Taylor Ross (Art Strategies)

4:55-5pm Closing remarks

5-6:30pm Happy Hour Open Bar & heavy appetizers